Gifts For Mums Who Travel

Updated 03/12/21

Buying travel themed gifts for mums who travel (gifts for moms who travel for my U.S readers) shows that you have put extra thought and care into the gift.

Travel themed gifts need to be practical, durable and provide value for money as that’s what us travelling mums are all about.

But any gifts for mums should also make her feel treated and spoilt so no travel irons!

I use many of the following products myself and have included gift ideas for mums to suit all budgets.

This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you), that help to meet the costs of running this web site.

Practical gifts for mums who travel

An anti theft backpack

Backpacks are a ‘must have’ family travel item and are ideal for keeping hands free for kids. But to deter pickpockets I see many mums awkwardly carry backpacks on their front.

This discomfort can be avoided by using an anti theft backpack and the Travelon anti theft backpack is one of the most stylish on the market. 

This cleverly designed anti slash backpack has lockable pockets, slash resistant straps, RFID card holders, iPad and passport compartments.

I love its useful extra features like the key fob with LED light, a side wall pocket for easy access and a detachable ‘lock down’ strap enabling you to attach your bag to a chair or table leg for security.

Travelon backpacks are available in a range of colours and styles including including anti theft messenger bags, tote bags and cross body bags (I use a cross body bag). Travelon’s Classic Backpack is one of the best backpacks for mums as it has side pockets for drinks bottles in addition to all the features above.

An anti theft backpack is a fantastic item for travelling safely with children so check out Travelon extensive range and latest prices here.

A Camera

A camera is one of the best gifts for mums who travel (except for a flight ticket!) and can be used year round to capture precious family memories.   

I recommend mirrorless cameras with the highest megapixel you can afford. Video capability is a must as well as fast focusing (especially when travelling with children who never sit still). Choose a compact and lightweight camera that can easily fit in a backpack or handbag.

My husband gifted me a Sony A6000 camera last year and this meant so much in a time of no travel.

This 24 megapixel camera has all the features I recommend plus a tilting screen, useful WiFi connectivity and a viewfinder.

It is lightweight to carry and use and I find it comfortable to wear around my neck unlike our bulky DSLR.

This highly rated camera is one of the best value for money cameras with these multiple features. Check it out here.  

Pocket Infinity Scarf

A versatile hidden pocket scarf is lightweight and easy to wash but it also provides essential theft prevention.

The scarf hides a small zip pocket that allows you to carry your money and valuables safely AND discreetly. 

I carry a credit card and emergency money in my hidden pocket but it will also fit a phone and passport.

Scarfs are available in all colours but a dark coloured or patterned scarf is better at hiding the secret pocket. 

You can also buy scarfs for every destination and climate. Choose from mosquito repelling hidden pocket scarfs for tropical climates or woolly scarfs for colder climates.

Discover an extensive range of infinity scarfs here.

Amazon Kindle Reader

A Kindle is a perfect travel gift for mums. They are tough wearing, lightweight and small enough for carry on only travel.

I like adjusting the text size on the glare free screen when my eyes are tired and the front light is invaluable for sharing bedrooms whilst travelling.

Check out the top of the range Kindle Oasis, an ergonomic device with an adjustable light, page turn buttons and the added bonus of being waterproof. Or consider a cheaper, refurbished kindle (find fantastic refurbished bargains here).

A Kindle gift card is a perfect add on gift enabling access to over 1 million books in the Kindle library.

Sarong

A sarong is the first item I put into my backpack. I use it as a blanket, towel, makeshift curtain, beach mat, skirt or shawl. 

Purchase a good quality, opaque, 100% cotton sarong as they are durable, easy to wash and quick drying.

I rate sarongs so highly that I bought one for each of our children before our family gap year. You can find the sarongs I bought here.

For more gift ideas for kids who travel, read my post here.

A Travel Mug

Travel mugs or reusable cups are a practical, budget friendly gift for mums who travel.

This BPA free, lightweight eco friendly cup is made from rice husks and has a useful carry handle. It is insulated so will keep drinks hot and cold. 

Or, for a map lover like me, check out this BPA free world map bamboo coffee cup from Quy with a no spill, silicone lid.

Insulated Water Bottle

An insulated water bottle is a sustainable travel gift for mums that can be used all year.

Insulated bottles are eco friendly, durable and will keep drinks hot or cold for up to 12 hours. I never leave home without my vintage map water bottle.

Check out the colourful range of stainless steel, BPA free insulated bottles from Proworks which have the best colour and pattern range I’ve seen.

Indulgent gifts for mums who travel

Travel themed jewellery

Practical gifts are great though sometimes it is nice to feel treated and indulged! Travel themed jewellery does just that.

Choose from a customised world map necklace, bracelet or compass themed jewellery.

Or for something unique and personal, check out El Camino’s travel collection.

Their handmade bracelets and necklaces are similar to old fashioned charm bracelets but with a modern twist. You can purchase ‘charms’ for continents,countries, places, experiences or animals seen.

Travel Wrap

I love this gorgeous travel wrap from Happy Luxe.

It can be used as a blanket, shawl or wrap and has two pocket warmer slots for colder climates. It is so cosy to wear as well as smart and stylish.

The vegan friendly wrap offers UPF 50+ protection and is made from a moisture wicking, sustainably produced fabric. 

Plus, the neutral colours of the Happy Luxe range can be teamed with any travel wardrobe.

Travel Beauty Essentials

Mums who travel want to look good and feel good so a travel sized beauty essentials kit makes a perfect, low cost gift.

Choose a travel beauty essentials set that comes in a reusable bag like this cute Cath Kidston set which is perfect for travelling light.

Alternatively, create your own travel beauty essentials set. Purchase a clear travel wash bag (for ease of finding items) or a wash bag that opens flat like a suitcase such as this fold up, clear pocket hanging toiletry bag. 

Fill it with sustainable travel items such as solid shampoo bars, solid deodorant and conditioner bars. We always travel with solid wash bars from Grumm or Lush.

Mini Perfume

This is THE item I regretted not bringing on our family gap year. There were so many times I wished I had packed it (think not showering for five days on the Trans Siberian railway). 

Now I always travel with a tiny vial of my favourite perfume which fits in my carry on luggage as it is under 100ml.

Trust me, mini perfume is one of the best gifts for mums who travel a lot. Find your favourite perfume in mini travel size here. 

Gifts for mums who travel that will inspire future travel

A Personalised Map

Personalised travel gifts are special and a personalised map is also practical and inspirational.

I love the personalised maps from Ordnance Survey where you choose the recipient’s home or favourite location as the centre of the map. You can personalise the front cover with your own photo and text making this a unique travel gift.

I ordered a personalised map for my husband based on our home location and he loved it. It took less than five minutes to create and has helped us discover new attractions on our doorstep.

Order your personalised map here.

If the mum in your life has a specific interest such as food or literature, check out the quirky ST&G theme maps.

Each map highlights U.K locations on the given theme and is packed with interesting facts and information.

We own the Great British Adventure Map and it has added new places to our must visit list in the U.K. These beautifully illustrated maps are perfect gifts for map lovers. 

A Travel Journal 

A good quality travel journal always makes a great gift for travel lovers.

I love my Ordnance Survey travel journal as it has useful equipment checklists and ‘how to’ pages as well as blank pages for recording trips and days out.

Earn extra brownie points for gifting a journal with handy pockets and planning tabs such as this gorgeous Moleskine travel journal.

Or check out the gorgeous personalised travel journals on Etsy.

Books for mums who love to travel

You could buy a guidebook to help with upcoming trips or a guidebook to a bucket list destination.

Choose books to inspire future travel such as biographies or anthologies.

Or buy a book to daydream with such as Lonely Planet’s ‘The Travel Book’ which visits every country on earth with stunning photography that is guaranteed to inspire future trips.

For something a little different, check out the informative and entertaining Atlas Obscura Explorers Guide. 

Atlas Obscura is the ‘go to’ book for helping travellers discover off the beaten track attractions and quirky sights. It has provided our family with some memorable travel experiences! 

Small travel gifts for travel loving mums

Small travel gifts or stocking fillers can still be practical and individual. You can buy a personalised travel jewellery box or a travel memories keyring for under £15.  

As always, the best gifts for mums are those given by our children. I love my world map umbrella and world map glasses case that my children bought me with their pocket money, both of which are under £10.

Alternatively, buy a voucher for a photobook or photo canvas to capture a precious travel memory. Groupon and Wowcher regularly have deals for these.

I hope this guide has helped you to find the perfect gifts for mums who love travel. Happy shopping!